Frequently Asked
Questions

We handle automobile, motorcycle, truck, tractor-trailer, bicycle, pedestrian, and other accident and injury cases involving injuries, serious injuries, and wrongful death. If you are not sure whether your case fits within our practice area, or if you are not sure whether you want to hire a lawyer, we encourage you to give us a call and obtain the information about how we handle accident and injury cases so that you can make an informed decision. Many of our clients say that they never intended to hire an attorney for anything, but that they have found themselves in the legal maze of claims, deadlines, insurance issues, subrogation issues, liens, among other complex and complicated issues, and simply do not know what to do. Handling these issues is what we love to do, and bringing comfort and piece of mind, financially and otherwise, to our clients is what its all about.

First, we will tell you if your case is a type of case that we handle and can help you with. Then, you will be given your options on how to proceed – this is a simple process for you. These discussions are completely confidential. We have discovered from our past clients that they really felt at ease immediately after our first meeting. You will understand why after your first meeting with Mr. Graves. Our mission is to obtain the absolute best financial outcome and recovery for every single client, while providing each client with an excellent experience with our firm. We are available to our clients, with an open door policy.

Our office is in one of the historic buildings right on the old courthouse square in Cookeville, Tennessee. Mr. Graves strategically chose this office location over two decades ago because it is right in the center of Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, where most medical and other experts are located, and this location also gives Mr. Graves easy access to all courts in middle and east Tennessee.

While there are exceptions, the general rule is that everyone eighteen (18) years of age or older has one year from the date of an accident in Tennessee to file their lawsuit. This one-year deadline is called the statute of limitations. If your case is not fully settled before the one-year deadline, or a lawsuit is not properly filed within that one year, you will lose all rights to pursue your claims and case. While minors can have longer than one year, oftentimes there are claims related to the minor’s injuries that the parents or legal guardians have that are subject to the one year deadline. There are also other exceptions that can apply. Because of the complexities, it is best to contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to advise you on your deadline, and also because there are numerous things that can be done, and need to be done, to benefit you and your case. In other words, DON’T WAIT TO CALL!

There are numerous categories of damages that can be recovered. These are broken down into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are things like past and future medical bills and expenses, lost earnings, and other monetary losses. Non-economic damages include past and future pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, mental and emotional distress, permanent injury and disfigurement. In your initial consultation with Mr. Graves, he will evaluate all of your damages and advise you on what damages will be pursued. The bottom line is that Mr. Graves pursues all damages you are entitled to recover for your injury, and he will explain all of this to you in your initial meeting.

Generally speaking, we believe anyone injured in an accident should immediately call an experienced injury attorney for a consultation so that they can obtain information specific to their situation. There is no reason not to call because this consultation is completely confidential and free, and there is no obligation to you. At our injury law firm, we make this process simple. Call us at 931-528-2017, and if it is a type of case that we handle, we will evaluate your claim and case over the phone and provide you with your options.

Keep in mind, insurance companies and their representatives are not on your side, and most certainly are not looking out for your best interests. After all, that is not their job because they work for the insurance company, and they do not represent you. A quick phone call to Edward M. Graves III Accident & Injury Law will provide insight into what you need to do to protect your rights, and more importantly, what he can do for you and your family.

Mr. Graves will walk you through this decision. In Tennessee, the vast majority of claims and cases can be settled once a qualified injury attorney properly handles and prepares the case. Sometimes this can occur before a lawsuit is filed, and sometimes after a lawsuit is filed. However, if an insurance company will not offer a full and fair settlement, the case can proceed to a jury trial – that is completely up to you after Mr. Graves provides you all necessary information to make this decision.